Ford Family One Concept

European commercial vehicle turns family friendly.

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The Ford Transit Connect is a small and boxy European commercial vehicle. It's hugely successful and Ford is bringing it to the U.S. market this summer. For a vehicle that can carry 135 cubic feet of stuff, the base price of $21,475 is very business-friendly. Throw in its 22/25 mpg EPA fuel economy ratings and it makes good economic sense compared to a full-size Ford E-series van. Its little 2.0-liter inline-4 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission isn't very exciting, but it's durable and wallet-conscious.

It's no surprise that Ford sees the value of a Transit Connect being converted to civilian duty as 5-passenger mini-minivan. The Family One Concept is aimed squarely at young families who favor utility over all else. The concept has easy-to-clean interior surfaces, washable seat covers, sun shades, rear seat entertainment, walkie-talkies and even a sunscreen and soap dispenser!

A feature that adds a new level of family organization is the RFID tag system adapted from Ford's Tool Link technology used for keeping track of a work truck's parts inventory. Instead of tools, however, the Family One keeps track of all the kids' stuff. Before leaving the driveway the computer can verify that the kids and all their stuff are onboard.

The simple design and use of vibrant colors is meant to appeal to kids. The technology to recognize when a child seat isn't mounted properly is meant to appeal to the parents, and if Ford works it right, a price of just over $20,000 would appeal to the family budget.